Time for battle. Time for Parisse.
Italian coach Jacques Brunel is finally able to name his captain, Sergio Parisse, in a World Cup matchday squad.
The Frenchman welcomes back Italy’s on-field talisman in a strong team to face Ireland at the Olympic Stadium, on Sunday.
Elsewhere, Brunel reunites Gonzalo Garcia and talented outside centre Michele Campagnaro in midfield. Tommaso Allan starts at out-half while try-scoring dangerman Leonardo Sarto is named on the right wing.
Italy have never defeated a higher ranked opponent in the professional era. They need to change that statistic on Sunday – against the world’s 4th best side – or they will stand no chance of reaching the last eight.
#Italrugby captain @sergioparisse starts in crucial #RWC2015 match v @IrishRugby on Sunday in London #IREvITA pic.twitter.com/l34MQK9X0A
— Italrugby (@Federugby) October 2, 2015
Edoardo Gori, who starts as Italian scrum-half, says, “We have to understand that if the backs can start causing problems to other teams it will make us stronger and more efficient as a team… [and we] need to have as many weapons as possible, otherwise we become too easy to defend against.
“We have to take this step to be among the best teams in the world.”
